Man killed as he rescued his dog

A FATHER-of-two from Chorley who died as he tried to rescue his beloved pet dog from the motorway has been named.

Family and friends of Michael Garfin, 39, were in deep shock after news of the avid football fan’s death broke.

The doting family man suffered multiple injuries after being struck by a HGV as he went after his German Shepherd, Weiss.

It is believed the four-year-old dog had managed to escape on to the motorway carriageway after the family’s Audi A4 was involved in a collision on the M6, close to Charnock Richard services, on Sunday.

The family, including Mike’s wife Kirsty and two young daughters Laura and Katie, had made it to the hard shoulder after their car hit a lamp-post and travelled down an embankment.

They escaped serious injury but were standing just feet away when the tragedy struck just seconds later.

Paying tribute to the stay-at-home dad, a friend of the family described him as a ‘sterling bloke’ who adored his two children.

She added: “Mike was just a lovely, lovely bloke.

“Being a dad and husband was his world and he was brilliant with kids.

“All he ever wanted was to do right by his family and what has happened is just horrendous.

“We can’t believe it. He was one of life’s good guys and everyone who knew him will be completely devastated.

“He loved his dog and he was a part of their family. It’s tragic.

“Kirsty and Michael were the perfect couple. She was very outgoing and he loved her for it.

“They both had degrees and had good careers before Michael took a step back to look after the kids.

“He was looking to retrain. Michael was always smiling. He was really happy and friendly.”

The German Shepherd was found safe at Charnock Richard Golf Club on Sunday evening and a police spokesman said he had been collected by family.